IMPHAL, Jan 15: The Red Shield Division celebrated the 63rd anniversary of Army Day today in the state and South Assam. On this occasion the GOC Major General DS Hooda, VSM conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to all ranks and families and appreciated their commendable performance and achievements during the past year.
According to an official release from the PRO, Defence Wing Imphal, the Army Day is celebrated today as celebrated in every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K.M Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander, in 1949. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in national capital as well as all 6 Army Command headquarters. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and the people living in it.
The release further mentioned that, the Red Shield Division celebrated the Army Day in the form of organizing a number of events at various places in Manipur and Assam. At Tamei a Band display and dog show was organised for locals. Ex-servicemen rally, medical camps, distribution of sweets and debate competition for the school children were organised at Haflong, Umrangso, Hatikali and Maibong. An admission counter for admission into National Institute of Open Schooling was launched at Haflong and the National Integration Tour for school children under Army Sadhbhavana which started on 03 January culminated at Lumding. An exquisite meal for the orphanage children and free rations to CARAMEL JYOTI HIV CARE CENTRE was organised at Leimakhong. Free ration were distributed to HIV care centre and orphanages at Gothal, Bishenpur and Nonei. The troops of 16 MARATHA LI and 4/8 Gorkha Rifles gave monetary assistance to Veer naris in their area.
The release also mentioned that, the Red Shield Division re-dedicates itself to become a part of ‘War Winning Team’ on this day and pledges to continue to maintain the high standards it has set for itself. It shall continue to contribute towards providing a secure and peaceful environment in the state of Manipur.
In the meantime, the Red Shield Division as a part of observation showing its re-dedicates itself to become a part of ‘War Winning Team’ on this day and pledges to continue to maintain the high standards it has set for itself with an aimed at showcasing the vastness, richness and ‘Unity in Diversity’ of our great nation to the children from insurgency affected region of the Dima Hasao district of Assam, 3 MAHAR Regiment under the aegis of Red Shield Division has organised a National Integration Tour from 03 January to 15 this month.
On the other hand, Brig Ashim Kohli, Commander Haflong Brigade flagged off the tour on January, 2 last to cities of Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. A total of 20 students and two teachers from different schools of Dima Hasao district participated in the tour.
The tour was conducted under Indian Army sponsored Operation Sadbhavana. During the visit children interacted with Eastern Army Commander at Kolkata and spoke about their areas and tribal values. Army Commander in turn presented gifts to the children as a token of encouragement. Children got a unique opportunity to visit National Defence Academy at Pune, interacted with the students of Hyderabad Public School, visited Hi-Tech city in Hyderabad and the Planetorium at Kolkata the release added.
